EP0560797B1 - Constant pressure periodontal probe - Google Patents
Constant pressure periodontal probe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0560797B1 EP0560797B1 EP91920044A EP91920044A EP0560797B1 EP 0560797 B1 EP0560797 B1 EP 0560797B1 EP 91920044 A EP91920044 A EP 91920044A EP 91920044 A EP91920044 A EP 91920044A EP 0560797 B1 EP0560797 B1 EP 0560797B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- probe
- probing
- tip
- backing
- probing portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
- A61C19/00—Dental auxiliary appliances
- A61C19/04—Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
- A61C19/043—Depth measuring of periodontal pockets; Probes therefor
Definitions
- This invention relates to periodontal probes and more particularly to a constant pressure periodontal probe which indicates when a desired insertion pressure is achieved.
- a periodontal probe as defined in the preamble of Claim 1 is disclosed in US-A-4 203 223 or in US-A-4 791 940.
- Periodontal probes are used to test the depth of a pocket which exists between a tooth and a gum.
- the pocket is formed as a result of progressive gingival inflammation. Once formed, the periodontal pocket provides a sheltered environment for pathogenic microbial colonies, which may cause further connective tissue destruction.
- the depth measurement indicates whether periodontal disease is present and to what extent; the deeper the pocket, the less attachment there is between the tooth and gum and more likely it is that treatment is required.
- Typical periodontal probes shown for example in U.S. Patent numbers 4,768,952, 4,886,454, and 4,764,114, use a needle-like tip.
- the tip is inserted until the bottom of the pocket is reached, with the tester relying on the resistance to insertion to feel the bottom of the pocket.
- the tip usually has markings to indicate the depth of the pocket. Pocket depths over about three millimeters indicate that treatment should be undertaken. Two or three readings may be taken per tooth and a history developed to note changes in pocket depth to determine if progressive pocket enlargement is apparent.
- a problem with periodontal probing is that, to be accurate, the pressure used to push down the probe tip into the pocket must be the same for each test. In addition, the force applied must be less than would cause the tip to pierce the pocket, damaging the tissue and giving an erroneous reading. If different pressure is applied at different locations or during subsequent probing, the readings will vary and the test results become meaningless.
- the World Health Organization has determined that a pressure of about 20 grams should be used as the standard insertion pressure. This is the level at which the probe overcomes the resistance caused by the gum mating with the tooth, yet prevents the probe tip from piercing the bottom of the periodontal pocket. This is a very low value compared to the amount of pressure which could be applied during insertion and it is very difficult to feel when that level of pressure has been reached. By monitoring probing done during a typical examination, it was determined that testers routinely applied double or triple this amount of force without being aware of it.
- a periodontal probe having a handle, a probing portion extending from an end of the handle, and a backing portion, extending from the end of the handle adjacent to but spaced away from the probe portion.
- the probing portion has a needle-like probing tip which may optionally including markings to indicate depth of insertion.
- This tip is connected to the handle through a flexible joint, preferably shaped and tapered to allow the tip and arm to flex in an arc about the joint as the resistance to insertion increases.
- the backing portion is separated from the probing portion by a gap, the backing portion providing a stop to limit the travel of the probing portion.
- the gap is of sufficient width such that when the portions touch, a desired constant pressure is indicated. At that point, the tester reads the depth of insertion. Such a probe assures that an accurate reading is taken, and that all subsequent tests are taken at the same insertion pressure.
- Fig. 1 is a side view of the constant pressure probe of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the probe of Fig.1.
- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the probe taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2.
- Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of the probe of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the end of the probe tip.
- a constant pressure probe 1 has a handle 2, a probing portion 3 and a backing portion 4.
- the handle may be round or shaped to provide effective hand manipulation of the probe.
- the probe is made of plastic or metal, with plastic preferred as it allows the probe to be disposable.
- plastic preferred as it allows the probe to be disposable.
- materials of construction useable with the present invention are polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyetherimid (UltemTM), steel, stainless steel, or combinations thereof. UltemTM is preferred as it has good strength properties while being sufficiently high temperature resistant to allow sterilization.
- the probing portion 3 is joined at junction 5 to the handle 2.
- the probing portion 3 includes a needle-like tip 6 which extends from a corner 7.
- the corner 7 has an upwardly extending projection 8, and is attached through a first rigid section 9 to a flexing joint 10 through a second rigid section 11 to the junction 5.
- the flexing joint 10 provides a focal point for probe displacement when resistance to insertion is met.
- the flexing joint 10 is tapered and shaped to provide the weakest point between the sections 9 and 11 such that the resistance to probing causes the probe to travel in an arc about the flexing joint.
- a cross sectional view of the flexing joint 10 is shown.
- the flexing joint has two opposed flat surfaces 12 and 13, in the desired plane of travel, with the joint having rounded sides to provide a somewhat oblong shape.
- the flat surfaces provide weakening areas to assure movement in a planar direction in alignment with the backing portion. This guides the probe to prevent displacement in an angular direction, to assure contact with the backing portion.
- Other shapes and designs could be use to provide the flexing joint.
- the backing portion 4 is joined at an end 14 through the junction 5 to the handle 2.
- the backing portion 4 has a rigid arm 15 extending parallel to the first section 9 of the probing portion, extending adjacent to but spaced away from the probing portion. Both portions are coplanar and in alignment.
- the arm 15 has sufficient rigidity to prevent movement when a force greater than the desired probing insertion force is applied against it. This can be adjusted by increasing the thickness of the arm relative to the thickness of the probing portion.
- the backing portion has a tip 16 which is spaced away from the projection 8 of the probing portion. Thus, a gap 17 is provided therebetween.
- the gap 17 is sized to accommodate movement of the probing portion as the resistance to insertion causes the probing portion to move about the joint 10, with contact between the tip 16 and the projection 8 indicating that the desired pressure has been reached.
- the backing tip 16 provides a stop for receiving the projection 8.
- the projection 8 and tip 16 have tapered sides 18 and 19 respectively.
- the user may slightly twist the handle to flex the probing portion in an angular direction about the joint 5 and misalign the tip and projection to increase the insertion pressure.
- the resistance to the displacement of the probe about the flexible joint increases, with the modulus and cross-section of the flexing joint determining the maximum amount of displacement allowable.
- the probing tip 6 has a ball end 20 which comprises a partial sphere 21 with an inwardly curved edge 22.
- the roundness of the sphere allows ease of insertion of the tip between the gum and tooth, but on withdrawal, the edge 22 rides against the tooth surface so that the user may detect if a layer of subgingival calculus has built up on the tooth surface.
- the edge may engage the layer which the user can feel by the halting motion of the probe during withdrawal.
- the probe is preferably produced as a unitary structure to minimize cost and allow mass production by molding.
- the probe tip may be separately produced and be removable from the corner to allow replacement.
- the corner 7 may include a channel sized to accept an end of a separable needle-like tip, with suitable means provided for locking the tip in place.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to periodontal probes and more particularly to a constant pressure periodontal probe which indicates when a desired insertion pressure is achieved.
- A periodontal probe as defined in the preamble of
Claim 1 is disclosed in US-A-4 203 223 or in US-A-4 791 940. - Periodontal probes are used to test the depth of a pocket which exists between a tooth and a gum. The pocket is formed as a result of progressive gingival inflammation. Once formed, the periodontal pocket provides a sheltered environment for pathogenic microbial colonies, which may cause further connective tissue destruction. The depth measurement indicates whether periodontal disease is present and to what extent; the deeper the pocket, the less attachment there is between the tooth and gum and more likely it is that treatment is required.
- Typical periodontal probes, shown for example in U.S. Patent numbers 4,768,952, 4,886,454, and 4,764,114, use a needle-like tip. The tip is inserted until the bottom of the pocket is reached, with the tester relying on the resistance to insertion to feel the bottom of the pocket. The tip usually has markings to indicate the depth of the pocket. Pocket depths over about three millimeters indicate that treatment should be undertaken. Two or three readings may be taken per tooth and a history developed to note changes in pocket depth to determine if progressive pocket enlargement is apparent.
- A problem with periodontal probing is that, to be accurate, the pressure used to push down the probe tip into the pocket must be the same for each test. In addition, the force applied must be less than would cause the tip to pierce the pocket, damaging the tissue and giving an erroneous reading. If different pressure is applied at different locations or during subsequent probing, the readings will vary and the test results become meaningless.
- The World Health Organization has determined that a pressure of about 20 grams should be used as the standard insertion pressure. This is the level at which the probe overcomes the resistance caused by the gum mating with the tooth, yet prevents the probe tip from piercing the bottom of the periodontal pocket. This is a very low value compared to the amount of pressure which could be applied during insertion and it is very difficult to feel when that level of pressure has been reached. By monitoring probing done during a typical examination, it was determined that testers routinely applied double or triple this amount of force without being aware of it.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a constant pressure periodontal probe which provides an easily identifiable indication that a desired insertion force has been applied.
- It is another object to provided a constant pressure periodontal probe which is disposable.
- It is yet another object to provide a constant pressure periodontal probe which is integrally molded to minimize cost.
- These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a periodontal probe according to
Claim 1, the probe having a handle, a probing portion extending from an end of the handle, and a backing portion, extending from the end of the handle adjacent to but spaced away from the probe portion. The probing portion has a needle-like probing tip which may optionally including markings to indicate depth of insertion. This tip is connected to the handle through a flexible joint, preferably shaped and tapered to allow the tip and arm to flex in an arc about the joint as the resistance to insertion increases. The backing portion is separated from the probing portion by a gap, the backing portion providing a stop to limit the travel of the probing portion. The gap is of sufficient width such that when the portions touch, a desired constant pressure is indicated. At that point, the tester reads the depth of insertion. Such a probe assures that an accurate reading is taken, and that all subsequent tests are taken at the same insertion pressure. - Fig. 1 is a side view of the constant pressure probe of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the probe of Fig.1.
- Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of the probe taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 2.
- Fig. 4 is an enlarged front view of the probe of Fig. 1.
- Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the end of the probe tip.
- Referring to Fig. 1, a
constant pressure probe 1 has ahandle 2, aprobing portion 3 and abacking portion 4. The handle may be round or shaped to provide effective hand manipulation of the probe. - The probe is made of plastic or metal, with plastic preferred as it allows the probe to be disposable. Among the materials of construction useable with the present invention are polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyetherimid (Ultem™), steel, stainless steel, or combinations thereof. Ultem™ is preferred as it has good strength properties while being sufficiently high temperature resistant to allow sterilization.
- Referring to Fig. 2, the
probing portion 3 is joined atjunction 5 to thehandle 2. Theprobing portion 3 includes a needle-like tip 6 which extends from acorner 7. Thecorner 7 has an upwardly extendingprojection 8, and is attached through a first rigid section 9 to aflexing joint 10 through a second rigid section 11 to thejunction 5. The flexingjoint 10 provides a focal point for probe displacement when resistance to insertion is met. The flexingjoint 10 is tapered and shaped to provide the weakest point between the sections 9 and 11 such that the resistance to probing causes the probe to travel in an arc about the flexing joint. - Referring to Fig. 3, a cross sectional view of the flexing
joint 10 is shown. The flexing joint has two opposedflat surfaces - Referring again to Fig. 2, the
backing portion 4 is joined at anend 14 through thejunction 5 to thehandle 2. Thebacking portion 4 has arigid arm 15 extending parallel to the first section 9 of the probing portion, extending adjacent to but spaced away from the probing portion. Both portions are coplanar and in alignment. Thearm 15 has sufficient rigidity to prevent movement when a force greater than the desired probing insertion force is applied against it. This can be adjusted by increasing the thickness of the arm relative to the thickness of the probing portion. The backing portion has atip 16 which is spaced away from theprojection 8 of the probing portion. Thus, agap 17 is provided therebetween. Thegap 17 is sized to accommodate movement of the probing portion as the resistance to insertion causes the probing portion to move about thejoint 10, with contact between thetip 16 and theprojection 8 indicating that the desired pressure has been reached. Thus, thebacking tip 16 provides a stop for receiving theprojection 8. - Referring to Fig. 4, the
projection 8 andtip 16 have taperedsides joint 5 and misalign the tip and projection to increase the insertion pressure. Depending on the choice of material, as the amount of flexing increases, the resistance to the displacement of the probe about the flexible joint increases, with the modulus and cross-section of the flexing joint determining the maximum amount of displacement allowable. - Referring to Fig. 5, the probing
tip 6 has aball end 20 which comprises apartial sphere 21 with an inwardlycurved edge 22. The roundness of the sphere allows ease of insertion of the tip between the gum and tooth, but on withdrawal, theedge 22 rides against the tooth surface so that the user may detect if a layer of subgingival calculus has built up on the tooth surface. Thus, as the edge is pulled across the tooth surface, it may engage the layer which the user can feel by the halting motion of the probe during withdrawal. - The probe is preferably produced as a unitary structure to minimize cost and allow mass production by molding. However, it is contemplated that the probe tip may be separately produced and be removable from the corner to allow replacement. For example, the
corner 7 may include a channel sized to accept an end of a separable needle-like tip, with suitable means provided for locking the tip in place. Thus, such a modification is within the scope of the present invention. - While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications could be made without varying from the scope of the present invention.
Claims (8)
- A constant pressure periodontal probe (1) comprising a handle (2) and a probing portion (3) extending from the handle, characterised by a rigid backing portion (4) extending from the handle adjacent to but spaced away from the probing portion by a gap (17), a flexing joint (10) provided in the probing portion (3), the flexing joint being a portion of reduced strength to allow the probing portion to be displaced about the flexing joint as resistance to insertion increases, the backing portion providing a stop (16) to limit displacement of the probing portion, contact between the backing portion and the probing portion indicating that a desired insertion pressure has been reached.
- The probe of Claim 1 wherein the backing portion has a tip for contacting the probing portion.
- The probe of Claim 1 wherein the probing portion has a needle-like tip (6), a corner (7), the needle-like tip extending from the corner, first (9) and second (11) sections disposed on opposite sides of the joint in an angular relationship, the first section connected to the corner and the second section connected to the handle.
- The probe of Claim 1 wherein the gap between the backing portion and probing portion corresponds to an insertion pressure applied to the probe of 20 grams.
- The probe of Claim 2 further comprising a partial sphere (21), disposed on the end (20) of the needle-like tip, an inwardly curved edge (22) provided on the sphere.
- The probe of Claim 3 wherein the corner has a channel, the needle-like tip being locatable in the channel, the needle-like tip being replaceable.
- The probe of Claim 1 wherein the probe is composed of a material from a group consisting essentially of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyetherimid, and stainless steel.
- A method for testing for periodontal disease comprising: providing the periodontal probe of Claim 1;
inserting the probing portion between the gum and tooth, until the probing portion is displaced in an amount which closes the gap between the backing portion and the probing portion; and,
reading the depth of insertion at the point where contact is made between the backing portion and the probing portion.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/603,638 US5112226A (en) | 1990-10-25 | 1990-10-25 | Constant pressure periodontal probe |
US603638 | 1990-10-25 | ||
PCT/US1991/006994 WO1992007524A1 (en) | 1990-10-25 | 1991-09-25 | Constant pressure periodontal probe |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0560797A4 EP0560797A4 (en) | 1993-08-03 |
EP0560797A1 EP0560797A1 (en) | 1993-09-22 |
EP0560797B1 true EP0560797B1 (en) | 1995-12-06 |
Family
ID=24416299
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP91920044A Expired - Lifetime EP0560797B1 (en) | 1990-10-25 | 1991-09-25 | Constant pressure periodontal probe |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5112226A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0560797B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3005047B2 (en) |
AR (1) | AR247333A1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE131023T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU642562B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9107031A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2094717C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69115293D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1992007524A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ATE157522T1 (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1997-09-15 | Kelly Anne Hunter | CLINICAL DEVICE AND HANDLE |
US5423677A (en) * | 1993-11-04 | 1995-06-13 | Brattesani; Steven J. | Periodontal probe tip and method for using |
DK0839502T3 (en) | 1996-11-01 | 2003-09-29 | Kerrhawe Sa | Periodontal probe |
CA2603415A1 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2006-10-05 | Perio-Imaging Inc. | Ultrasonic periodontal device, system and method of using |
KR100927179B1 (en) * | 2006-10-24 | 2009-11-18 | 강태현 | Dental clinical instruments |
CA2794231C (en) * | 2012-10-31 | 2018-08-14 | Ioannidis Nektarios | Periodontal probe with touch sensing |
US20200046456A1 (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-13 | Evelyn Anne-Bauschka Ayers | Interim therapeutic restoration and cavity liner placement (itr) instrument description |
US20200046457A1 (en) * | 2018-08-13 | 2020-02-13 | Evelyn Anne-Bauschka Ayers | Interim Provisional Restoration Placement Instrument-#1 |
CN112656534B (en) * | 2021-01-08 | 2021-08-31 | 四川大学 | Oral cavity repair space measuring device and method |
Family Cites Families (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1501170A (en) * | 1923-12-20 | 1924-07-15 | Frederick W Korb | Measuring tool |
DE7319663U (en) * | 1973-05-24 | 1973-09-13 | Zdarsky E | MEASURING PROBE FOR MEDICAL, IN PARTICULAR, DENTAL PURPOSES |
US4182312A (en) * | 1977-05-20 | 1980-01-08 | Mushabac David R | Dental probe |
JPS5637698Y2 (en) * | 1977-12-15 | 1981-09-03 | ||
US4203223A (en) * | 1979-01-12 | 1980-05-20 | Northwestern University | Periodontal probe |
SE419400B (en) * | 1980-10-31 | 1981-08-03 | Axelsson P A T | DENTISTRY INSTRUMENTS FOR INVESTIGATING DENTAL LOSS OR TUNAR |
NL8101279A (en) * | 1981-03-16 | 1982-10-18 | Arnoldus Joseph Borst | POCKETMETER. |
GB8307716D0 (en) * | 1983-03-21 | 1983-04-27 | Dentsply Ltd | Periodontal probes |
DE3411366A1 (en) * | 1984-03-28 | 1985-10-10 | Stefan Dr. 8491 Eschlkam Neumeyer | Dental instrument |
US4552531A (en) * | 1984-11-16 | 1985-11-12 | Howard Martin | Gauged root canal condenser spreader |
US4768952A (en) * | 1986-12-03 | 1988-09-06 | Bernard Loewenthal | Dental probe |
GB8629147D0 (en) * | 1986-12-05 | 1987-01-14 | Pathreal Ltd | Dental instrument |
US4791940A (en) * | 1987-02-02 | 1988-12-20 | Florida Probe Corporation | Electronic periodontal probe with a constant force applier |
US4886454A (en) * | 1987-05-12 | 1989-12-12 | Bernard Loewenthal | Dental probe |
US5022856A (en) * | 1988-08-26 | 1991-06-11 | Alan Zimble | Dental probe assembly |
US5137447A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1992-08-11 | Frank Hunter | Oral hygiene |
AU662884B2 (en) * | 1990-05-07 | 1995-09-21 | Kelly Anne Hunter | Clinical appliance and handle |
US5000683A (en) * | 1990-05-10 | 1991-03-19 | Brock David L | Periodontal probe |
-
1990
- 1990-10-25 US US07/603,638 patent/US5112226A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1991
- 1991-09-25 DE DE69115293T patent/DE69115293D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-09-25 JP JP3518340A patent/JP3005047B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1991-09-25 CA CA002094717A patent/CA2094717C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-09-25 WO PCT/US1991/006994 patent/WO1992007524A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1991-09-25 BR BR919107031A patent/BR9107031A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-09-25 AU AU89027/91A patent/AU642562B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1991-09-25 EP EP91920044A patent/EP0560797B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1991-09-25 AT AT91920044T patent/ATE131023T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1991-10-23 AR AR91320999A patent/AR247333A1/en active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO1992007524A1 (en) | 1992-05-14 |
CA2094717A1 (en) | 1992-04-26 |
AU642562B2 (en) | 1993-10-21 |
US5112226A (en) | 1992-05-12 |
JP3005047B2 (en) | 2000-01-31 |
AU8902791A (en) | 1992-05-26 |
CA2094717C (en) | 1998-10-13 |
DE69115293D1 (en) | 1996-01-18 |
EP0560797A1 (en) | 1993-09-22 |
EP0560797A4 (en) | 1993-08-03 |
ATE131023T1 (en) | 1995-12-15 |
BR9107031A (en) | 1993-08-17 |
JPH06503975A (en) | 1994-05-12 |
AR247333A1 (en) | 1994-12-29 |
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